A new research study has predicted that a number of North West towns could be underwater by 2050 as a result of rising sea levels.
As the global crisis of climate change continues to pose a threat to our future, with a report by NASA released at the start of the year revealing that 2020 was the joint warmest year on record, Climate Central – non-profit news organisation focused on climate science – has taken a look at the severity of the threat of climate change locally, reports LancsLive.
Although the damaging of climate change may not be directly felt where you live at this moment in time, the new research shows that rising temperatures have resulted in increasing sea levels and more severe weather conditions in the region, with the world’s ice sheets melting fast.
Experts say causes of global warming by humans include burning fossil fuels – coal, gas and oil – factory farming, increasing livestock production, and deforestation.
It’s also said that once gradual changes become noticeable, it will likely be too late to stop them.
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As a result of this, Climate Central’s research predicts that areas of Blackpool, Lytham, Fleetwood and Morecambe could all be underwater in less than 30 years, with Lancaster, Thornton-Cleveleys, Heysham, Preston, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Southport also being affected.
Maps have been released to show how rising sea levels will affect local areas, with areas shaded in red represent places that are lower than the local sea-level or coastal flood projection, according to the selected data.
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It should be noted that these images are based on predictions if we make no cuts to emissions.
The Lancashire coastal town and popular seaside resort of Blackpool is one of the most prominent locations on the list, with the above map showing the prediction that most of the area south of Central Pier – including the Pleasure Beach and Blackpool Airport – could be lost by 2050.
According to the research, inland areas including Common Edge, South Shore, Little Marton, Marton Fold and Squires Gate would also be impacted, along with parts of Blackpool & Fylde Industrial Estate, Blackpool Zoo and Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve – however, northern parts of Blackpool including Queenstown, Layton, Grange Park, Warkbrek and North Shore would avoid the potential devastation.
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In Fleetwood, only areas near Jameson Road Landfill Site and pockets of land in Preesall, Stalmine and Staynall would stay above water, and it’s predicted to be a similar situation in nearby Cleveleys, with places including Anchorsholme Park affected.
The research shows that the popular coastal town of Morecambe would bear the brunt of the rising sea levels, with Climate Central predicting that its tourist hot spots would be flooded due to rising sea levels.
Coastal areas of Heysham would also be affected, but parts of the town’s centre, the Nuclear Power Station, and Nature Reserve would be safe.
In the Lancashire county city of Lancaster, areas on the banks of the River Lune would be submerged – while Lancaster city centre, Lancaster Castle, Fairfield Nature Reserve, Williamson Park and other more inland areas would avoid the water.
Rising sea levels could see the picturesque and highly-sought-after town of Lytham mostly submerged, along with the nearby Warton Bank and areas of Clifton.
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The majority of Southport would also be submerged, according to predictions / Credit: Climate Central
In major city Preston, land close to the River Ribble – including parts of Ashton-on-Ribble and The Docklands – would be affected, and Penwortham, Walmer Bridge, Much Hoole, Bretherton and Hesketh Bank would also see land disappear due to the rising sea levels.
All of Banks and the majority of Southport would also be submerged too, according to Climate Central’s predictions.
Featured Image – Climate Central
UK News
BBC confirm Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season
Danny Jones
Following reports late on Monday evening, the BBC has now officially revealed Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League campaign.
Lineker, who has hosted Match of the Day (MotD) since 1999, is set to leave the long-standing British TV and sporting institution after 25 seasons but will still remain associated with the BBC on various other projects moving forward.
Confirming the news on Tuesday, 12 November, the network said that while his MotD tenure will conclude come May 2025, “The BBC and Gary Lineker have agreed in principle a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup”.
The former footballer will also continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and his The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds alongside fellow co-presenters Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Gary Lineker will step down as host of Match of the Day at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/BkHUScf9TK
Lineker said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
The ex-Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Spurs player was famously suspended from the show back in March 2023 after comments made about the previous Conservative government’s “dangerous” rhetoric.
Shearer and Ian Wright (‘Wrighty’ having also announced he will be leaving the show at the end of the season) both walked out in solidarity with their close friend and colleague before being reinstated after issuing an official apology.
Putting the brief separation aside, Lineker has enjoyed a long and prosperous relationship with the BBC for more than two and a half decades and when the title race does conclude at the end of next spring, he will have been one of the most recognisable faces in British football for 26 years.
Many have rightly pointed out that he served as the Des Lynam – the former MoTDhost for 11 years – for multiple generations of young football fans.
Timing makes sense as it’s more common for fans get their coverage elsewhere and quicker nowadays. Big shoes to fill regardless however but Lynham had a huge legacy too when Gary replaced him.
This past August marked Match of the Day‘s 60th anniversary, making it one of the longest-running programmes in British TV history, and to say that the household name and ever-entwined Walkers ambassador has made up nearly half of that is no mean feat.
Lineker has yet to issue a personal response via any channels by the official BBC statement, but viewers can expect to address the situation on the likes of The Rest is Football soon enough.
Thanks for the memories, Gary – especially for honouring your promise and hosting in those comically big white undies.
Marcus Rashford pays heartwarming surprise visit to Manchester school
Danny Jones
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is backing warming hearts and bringing smiles to young faces once again after he paid a surprise visit to a local school.
The Man United forward and England international emerged as a national hero during the lockdown through his support for the free school meals campaign, even earning an MBE for his services to charity, and has continued to offer his services outside of football ever since.
Club members regularly engage in community outreach through official United Foundation events, but this time Rashford decided to team up with fellow non-profit Football Beyond Borders (FBB) – an education and social inclusion charity he’s worked with for some time – to make some kids very happy.
During a recent session at The Barlow RC High School in Didsbury, children in the classroom were caught off-guard when the 27-year-old footballer popped his head around the door and came to sit in on a session. Here’s their reaction.
Just look at their faces – we’ll never get over the wide-eyed stares clips like produce. The week in and week out of actual game day aside, this is what football’s all about.
Although one particular pupil had sniffed a surprise in their midst, excitedly repeating, “I told you, what did I say?!”, it’s fair to say that the entire room was still stunned to see the United number 10 just casually walk into the room.
We especially like the moment when Rashford sits down next to one of the unsuspecting students and can’t stop double-taking to his friend, all the while grinning his head off – well, him and everyone else in attendance at the school for the surprise visit, adults included.
Taking place before this past weekend’s Premier League fixtures, the Wythenshawe winger then proceeds to join the aspiring young players out on the school pitch along with the other FBB ambassadors, who recently celebrated 10 years of vital work,
Naturally, the responses underneath videos have been as equally wholesome as you would expect; one person commented, “Forget the football, Marcus Rashford is a top, top man. Nothing but respect”, while another said, “I respect the leadership and the guy really cares. Rare…”
A third went on to write: “A very grounded footballer. Remembers and knows what it’s like to be at the bottom and work your way up. Has done more for people in this country than people running this country! Respect.”
While his performances may not have been their best, both in his eyes and that of the fans at this present moment, many more simply went on to add that it “was nice to see him smiling” and when you’re doing important and inspiring work like this in your hometown, you can only admire and applaud.
As is the nature of the beautiful game, the goals will no doubt start flowing again eventually but in the meantime, well done to Rashford for continuing to be a legend on and off the pitch.